Military, police assure Negros Oriental is safe

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (CENTCOM) and the police assured tourists that target-hardening measures are ongoing to ensure Negros Oriental is safe to visit for both local and foreign tourists.

This, despite reports of a string of attacks allegedly led by the New People's Army (NPA) in some areas in Negros Oriental.

"Even with the threat of NPA, we assure tourists are safe and secured," said CENTCOM Spokesperson Medel Aguilar.

Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office Director Edwin Portento told The FREEMAN that the NPA incidents are isolated cases.

"Na-generalize yung buong Negros, na places na hindi ganun ka safe. Isang insidente lang yun, isolated incident," Portento said.

In fact, there is constant coordination with the local government units to enforce security and safety measures for tourists, Portento said.

He added that some reported incidents have not affected the flow of tourists visiting the province.

"Maganda ang report nga ng provincial tourism, mataas pagdating sa tourism," Portento said.

He added that they have implemented the Oplan Leon Kilat, which is a security framework with stakeholders.

"Kasama namin ang local government unit, nagkakaroon kami ng ugnayan. Involved yon all other law enforcement agencies. Yong mga mountainous areas, we conduct regular patrol jointly with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Nagkaroon na kami ng pag-uusap kung saan, to prevent insidente na ganito (pertaining to a string of attacks allegedly led by NPA rebels). Ang problema ay napakalaki ng probinsya at hindi namin kaya i-cover yung lawak," Portento added.

He also said that tourists can always dial their hotline number or personally meet tourists police assigned around the provinces and cities of Negros Oriental, using the number 0927-144-5013.

"There is nothing for them to worry about. It is a priority ang safety nila dito. We have an active tourist police here in the province of Negros Oriental, they can coordinate immediately if kailangan nila ng assitance," Portento assured.

Police Regional Office-7 Head Jose Mario Espino also encouraged provincial directors to constantly coordinate with the community and conduct prophylactic patrols.